the selenoid control wire at the start switch should become energized with a good strong 12volt in start mode
to do so the main key assembly must have a good strong 12v source coming from the " back of the boat"
so make certain you are getting good +12 via any neutral or safety features along the way if any !
meters are funny sometimes they may indicate 12V but in effect that 12volt can be received from a highly resistive
oxydized (corroded)
joint and that 12volt would not deliver enough amps to drive a coil or relay etc..
you must split the issues 50/50 to determine which side the problem is located.
at the switch… apply a good batt +12v on the start (selenoid control wire) much like you did at the back end on the selenoid
if the selenoid responds you know the control wire is good all the way to the selenoid yet… the 12volts delivered by the switch may be weak
find the wire on the switch getting 12v from the distribution panel and short it across to the start post of the switch
if the selenoid operates ..and starter you know that 12volts is powerful enough into the switch +12 post
if the selenoid does not operate when turning the key the key internal contacts are likely oxidized and transferring a weak 12volts which is what you measured on the control wire
if the switche's 12 volts shorted at the switch start post does not energized the selenoid …. find out why by working backwards
sometimes using a test lamp will clue you in faster because even with 12volts present the test lamp may not light up at all
or partially
indicating the 12 volts is to resistive or you are getting simple 12 volt leakage flowing back via another component
unfortunately ..you really need a wiring diagram for this stuff but my gut feel is you have a bad connection or fuse
measure all fuses with an ohmmeter they must read 0 ohms
polish & secure all connections involving 12v distribution
keep at it !
btw…. «2
We have been tracking power and wires on the motor all morning. There is power at the main relay but nothing coming out of it. No power to the main fuse and relay panel ???? .«
without distributed power seems critical .......can you inspect the main power relay and determine why it is not doing it's job ??
it should itself have a control wire….